Investigators identify former PSOE member as head of network to interfere in judicial proceedings
The Guardia Civil documents dozens of meetings between Leire Díez and Socialist Party leaders, some at party headquarters, within a scheme that sought to derail judicial cases.
Investigators identify former PSOE member as head of network to interfere in judicial proceedings
Agents from the Central Operational Unit have submitted a detailed report to Santiago Pedraz, the judge at the National Court, concerning the structure of an alleged criminal organisation linked to the Socialist Party. The document identifies Leire Díez as the key operative of a structure that, according to investigations, sought to influence judicial proceedings affecting the Government's circle and the party itself.
The investigation has established up to 39 meetings between the subject under investigation and Santos Cerdán, a former party leader. Of that total, more than half—22 meetings—took place at the party's national headquarters on Ferraz Street. Police reports distinguish two levels within the scheme: Cerdán would occupy the top position, whilst Díez would carry out daily operational work. The common objective, according to the UCO, was to shield PSOE's interests across various judicial fronts, including those touching on the head of the Executive, Pedro Sánchez.
The woman under investigation came to media attention in spring 2025, when a recording emerged in which she wished death upon Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Balas. At that time, party leadership downplayed her role. They claimed she acted on her own initiative and did not represent the organisation. However, as months passed, a very different picture emerged. Forensic analysis of her communications demonstrates that the woman maintained direct channels with the party leadership.
One of the most significant findings is the exchanges with Cristina Narbona, the current party president. In those conversations, Díez proposed tactics to "redirect" criticism towards Sánchez and offered "qualified help" to shift the public narrative. Narbona, in response, alluded to previous conversations with Cerdán, which reinforces the thesis of internal coordination. The investigating judge has decided to call Narbona to testify to clarify the scope of these communications.
The financial aspect constitutes another key piece of the puzzle. Accounting records indicate that the PSOE disbursed up to 4,000 euros monthly to Díez. These funds would not have come directly from the party's coffers, but rather would have been channelled through various companies and professionals: the digital media outlet 'Crónica Libre', the consultancy of Gaspar Zarrías and the law firms of Jacobo Teijelo and Ismael Oliver. In the case of the consultancy, investigators have traced four transfers totalling 16,000 euros, formally justified as payment for a journalistic report.
The operative's circle of contacts extends to other figures in the government sphere. Mercedes González, the former Director General of the Guardia Civil, maintained a relationship with her prior to her institutional appointment. Former minister José Luis Ábalos received her visits at moments of maximum media pressure following his indictment. Juanfran Serrano, who held the Vice-Presidency office, appears in schedules as a regular collaborator.
Given the magnitude of the evidence, Pedraz has required the PSOE's regional and federal bodies to hand over their bank statements for the past two financial years, together with internal documentation on crime prevention. Within Socialist Party ranks, the prospect of the organisation itself being indicted as a legal entity generates panic. "It would be the end," confess privately consulted leaders.
A substantial portion of the case remains under judicial secrecy, which fuels uncertainty within the party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Source: ABC